Captain's log, stardate 46357.4.
We have rendezvoused with the starship Cairo
near the Cardassian border
for an urgent meeting with Vice Admiral Nechayev.
Come.
May I present Captain Jean-Luc Picard?
Admiral, welcome aboard.
Thank you. That'll be all, commander.
- Can I get you some coffee, tea or--? - Thank you, no, captain.
I'm afraid there's no time for the usual pleasantries.
I'm here to relieve you of command of the Enterprise.
Space, the final frontier.
These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise.
to explore strange new worlds,
to seek out new life and new civilizations,
to boldly go where no one has gone before.
The Cardassian forces,
which were recently withdrawn from the Bajoran sector,
have been redeployed along the Federation border.
They have mobilized three divisions of ground troops,
and their subspace communications have been increased by 50 percent.
We believe that they're preparing for an incursion into Federation space.
Are the Cardassians ready for a war?
I didn't say war, commander. I said incursion.
Our intelligence report suggests that they'll try to seize
one of the disputed systems along the border.
We think they're gambling that the Federation won't actually go to war
- over one system. - Will we?
I hope we won't need to make that decision.
We have decided to send the Enterprise
to meet with a Cardassian representative in open talks.
We're hoping that the presence of the Federation flagship on the border
will send a message to their leadership
about just how seriously we view this situation.
Where is Captain Picard?
The captain, your chief medical officer, and security chief
have been reassigned.
That's all I can tell you for now.
Do any of you know Edward Jellico?
He is the commanding officer of the Cairo.
I've heard of him. I don't know that any of us have--
I'm giving him command of the Enterprise this afternoon.
Captain Jellico helped to negotiate the original armistice two years ago,
and I believe he's the most qualified person to lead this mission.
The change of command will take place at 1300 hours.
Thank you.
Admiral,
with all due respect,
it's not necessary to give Captain Jellico command of the Enterprise
- just to conduct a negotiation. - I disagree.
The Enterprise will be in a dangerous situation,
and I want someone on the Bridge
who has a great deal of experience with the Cardassians.
No offense, commander, but that's not you.
Halt.
Computer, freeze program.
You were five seconds slower that time.
You increased the difficulty level, sir.
Mr. Worf, it's gonna be far more difficult where we're going.
- Which is where, exactly? - I'm sorry, I can't tell you that yet.
It would be helpful to know something about our mission.
Mr. Worf, I have my orders. I'm sure you understand that.
Now, doctor, this deflector wasn't set properly.
It must be positioned so that the emitter array
blocks the entire passageway, or it's useless.
Sorry. I was concentrating on getting away from the last Cardassian,
or maybe it was the falling rocks.
I understand this is difficult. All I can do is ask you to trust me.
All right, let's do it again.
All right, Mr. Worf, I want you to time the doctor and me
through that first tunnel.
And this time, we're gonna pick up those five seconds.
Welcome aboard, sir. I'm Commander William--
William T. Riker, class of '57. Graduated eighth in his class.
I'm looking forward to serving with you.
Thank you. And I you.
I'm sure this change in command has taken everyone a little by surprise.
Well, yes, sir.
It caught me by surprise too. I must admit, I miss the Cairo already.
But a Galaxy-class ship, that's something special.
I can understand why you turned down a ship of your own to remain aboard.
Yes, sir.
How many duty watches does the crew stand?
We have a standard three-shift rotation.
I'd like to change that to four starting tonight.
I'd also like to examine the duty roster
and the crew evaluations as soon as possible.
I want readiness reports from each department head by 1400 hours
and a meeting of the senior staff at 1500.
Do you prefer Will or William?
Um, Will, sir.
Where are my quarters, Will?
We have you assigned to cabin 735, Deck Sev--
Deck 7. I'll see you at 1300 hours.
Yeah, I know.
Wearing these uniforms always reminds me
of my first day at the Academy.
Attention to orders.
"To Captain Jean-Luc Picard, commanding officer, USS Enterprise,
stardate 46358.1.
You are hereby requested and required to relinquish command of your vessel
to Captain Edward Jellico, commanding officer, USS Cairo,
as of this date.
Signed Vice Admiral Alynna Nechayev, Starfleet Command."
Computer, transfer all command codes to Captain Edward Jellico.
Voice authorization, Picard-delta-5.
Transfer complete.
USS Enterprise now under command of Captain Edward Jellico.
- I relieve you, sir. - I stand relieved.
Dismissed.
I wonder how permanent this is gonna be.
I don't know.
They don't usually go through the ceremony
if it's just a temporary assignment.
- Sore? - Oh. Sore doesn't begin to describe it.
I know. I wish I could talk about it.
Most of the secondary systems were changed at the last overhaul.
I don't think they'll give you any problem,
but you might want to check out the port lateral--
I'll take care of the Enterprise, Jean-Luc.
You don't have to mother me.
Uh...
How's your team shaping up?
Very well, but I would prefer more recent intelligence
on the exact layout of the installation.
The most current information that we have is two years old.
Ah. Two years?
I don't know how Nechayev ever talked you into this.
She gave me no choice.
Well, maybe there's something we can do to help.
We'll launch a class-5 probe just before we reach the border.
You could pick up the telemetry aboard the shuttle.
Now, that would be extremely helpful.
Will.
Captain. Captain.
I believe we're scheduled to arrive at the Cardassian border
during delta shift.
Please inform the delta tactical officer that I want to launch a class-5 probe
just before we drop out of warp.
I was actually going to talk to you about delta shift a little later, sir.
Right now gamma shift will be on duty when we arrive,
and I will tell Lieutenant McDowell about the probe.
Is there a problem with delta shift, Will?
There is no delta shift yet, sir.
I have spoken to the department heads
about changing from three shifts to four,
and they assure me it's going to cause us
significant personnel problems.
So you have not changed the watch rotation?
I was going to explain this to you after the ceremony, sir.
You will tell the department heads that, as of now,
the Enterprise is on a four-shift rotation.
I don't wanna talk about it. Get it done.
Now, that means that delta shift will be due to come on duty in two hours.
I expect you to have it fully manned and ready when it does.
Is that clear?
Yes, sir. If you'll excuse me, sir.
Captain.
He was your first officer for five years?
One of the finest officers that I have ever served with.
Of course he is, Jean-Luc.
I'm sure it'll all work out.
Captain's log, stardate 46358.2.
The Enterprise is on course
for a rendezvous with the Cardassian ship Reklar.
Fortunately, I still have time to prepare the ship and crew
for the task ahead.
I want you to install a bypass between the main phaser array
and the secondary generators.
I also want to run the main deflector pathway
through the warp power grid
and the auxiliary conduits through the lateral relays.
Now, you may have to reconfigure the transfer interface.
Sir, the transfer interface was not designed for that configuration.
It will take seven hours to make those changes.
Sir, you may not be aware that our normal interface
already routes auxiliary power through three separate relays.
I'm aware of your current design system.
It's not good enough.
If these negotiations fail, we could find ourselves in a war zone,
and if that happens, I wanna be loaded for bear.
- I'll get right on it. - Good.
Now, these stations should be devoted
to damage control and weapon status from now on.
- See that they're manned at all times. - Aye, sir.
Mr. Data, how long before we reach the rendezvous point?
We will arrive in 51 hours, 32 minutes, sir.
Schedule four battle drills, one for each shift.
Run a series of simulated attacks from a Cardassian squadron.
I want you to conduct the exercises personally, Will. Get it done.
Oh,
and get that fish out of the Ready Room.
Data, you're with me.
The power-transfer levels need to be upgraded by 20 percent.
The efficiency of your warp coils is also unsatisfactory.
Coil efficiency is well within specifications, captain.
I'm not interested in the specs, Geordi.
The efficiency needs to be raised by at least 15 percent.
Fifteen percent?
That is an attainable goal.
But it will require realigning the warp coil
and taking the secondary distribution grid off-line.
Very good, Data.
- That's exactly what I want you to do. - If we take this grid off-line,
we're gonna have to shut down Exobiology,
the astrophysics lab and Geological Research.
We're not on a research mission. Get it done, in two days.
I believe that is also an attainable goal.
If we utilize the entire Engineering Department,
there should be sufficient manpower available to complete the task.
Sure, if everybody works around the clock for the next two days.
Then you'd better get to it, Geordi.
Looks like you have some work to do. Data.
J E?
- May I speak with you, captain? - Deanna, come in, come in.
The latest masterpieces from my son.
It's an elephant,
I think.
Definitely an elephant.
I'm glad you're here.
I'd like to go over the duty roster with you.
I'd be happy to, but first
I'd like to talk about how the change in command is affecting the crew.
Ah.
I've noticed some resistance.
I wouldn't call it resistance, more like uncertainty.
Most of them had served under Captain Picard for several years.
They knew him, and they knew what he expected.
Now they're being asked to adjust to a new captain
and a new way of doing things,
and they're uncertain how to react.
I see your point.
This all could be very unsettling to them.
And to you.
Perhaps everyone just needs time.
Time for you to get to know and trust the crew,
and time for them to understand how you want things done.
I'm glad you brought this to my attention, Deanna.
Unfortunately, I don't have time for a honeymoon with the crew.
You've clearly given this a lot of thought,
so I'd like you to take charge of the morale situation.
Please see to it that they make the adjustment to the new routine
quickly and easily.
Ahh. I have a meeting with the new security chief in five minutes,
so the duty roster will have to wait.
Thank you, counselor.
Oh, by the way,
I prefer a certain formality on the Bridge.
I'd appreciate it if you wore a standard uniform when you're on duty.
Of course, sir.
Commander, he's asked me to completely reroute
half the power systems on this ship, change every duty roster,
realign the warp coils in two days,
and now he's transferred a third of my crew to Security.
If it makes you feel better, you're not alone.
Captain Jellico has made major changes
in every department on the ship.
I don't mind making changes, and I don't mind hard work,
but the man isn't giving me the time I need to do the work.
Somebody's gotta get him to listen to reason.
It's not going to be me. He's made that abundantly clear.
Well, then, can I make a suggestion?
Talk to Captain Picard. Maybe he can do something.
- We just need a little time. - All right.
Come.
You all right, sir?
Yes, I am.
But the last time I had to train like this, it was for the Academy marathon.
But I'm managing.
What can I do for you?
Mm. It's nothing urgent. I'm sorry I bothered you.
Good night.
My orders are to maintain radio silence
until we've completed the mission.
Well, the Enterprise will be monitoring your channel
just in case you do need to transmit a signal.
Bridge to Captain Jellico.
We've arrived at the shuttle departure coordinates.
Did you launch the probe I requested?
Yes, sir. I wasn't aware you wanted to be informed.
Thank you.
Jellico out.
I can see why he's still only a first officer.
Captain, I would just like you to know that Commander Riker--
I've read your reports, Jean-Luc. I know you think highly of him.
It's not just my opinion.
He's been decorated by Starfleet Command five times.
He's been offered his own ship more than once.
I think if you just gave him a chance,
you would find him an outstanding officer.
Jean-Luc, let's be candid for a moment.
The Cardassians aren't going to listen to reason,
and the Federation isn't going to give in to their demands.
And the chances are, you won't be coming back
from this mission of yours.
I want this ship ready for action,
and I don't have time to give Will Riker or anyone else
a chance.
And forgive me for being blunt,
but the Enterprise is mine now.
Well, here's hoping you beat the odds.
- Good hunting. - Thank you.
Jean-Luca,
I believe this is yours.
Sh uttlecraft Feynman to Enterprise. We have cleared the shuttlebay.
Acknowledged, Feynman. Good luck.
Thank you, Enterprise.
Well,
now that we're under way,
I can tell you about our mission.
Starfleet Intelligence believes that the Cardassians are developing
a metagenic weapon.
Oh, my God.
I am not familiar with metagenics.
They're genetically engineered viruses
that are designed to destroy entire ecosystems.
When metagenic toxins are released into a planet's atmosphere,
they immediately begin to mutate.
They seek out and destroy all forms of DNA they encounter.
In a few days, everything is dead.
In a month, the metagenic agent itself
breaks down and dissipates completely,
leaving every city, every road,
every piece of equipment perfectly intact.
Leaving the planet safe to be conquered.
Wouldn't using such a weapon
pose as great a risk to the attacker as to the target?
That's why metagenics and other biological weapons
were outlawed years ago.
Even the Romulans have abided with those agreements.
Starfleet Intelligence believes that the Cardassians
are developing a new delivery system,
one that would protect them from accidental exposure to the toxin.
They believe that the Cardassians are testing a way
of launching dormant metagenic material on a subspace carrier wave.
So they could activate the toxins after the launch,
thereby preventing any accidental exposure.
Mm-hm. And because the subspace wave
would appear simply as background radiation,
no one would realize what was happening
till it was too late.
Now, for the past few weeks,
theta-band subspace emissions have been detected
coming from Celtris Ill.
These emissions may indicate
that a metagenic delivery system is in operation.
- What do we know about Celtris Ill? - Very little.
It was thought to be uninhabited until these emissions were detected.
Starfleet believes that the Cardassians may have a secret research lab
located somewhere below the planet's surface.
Our orders are to penetrate this Celtris Ill installation
and determine if the Cardassians are actually building a metagenic weapon.
- And if they are? - Destroy it.
At any cost.
When I was on the Stargazer, we conducted extensive tests
using theta-band carrier waves.
One of the reasons I was selected for this mission is my familiarity
with the methods used for generating them.
Mr. Worf, your presence here is obvious.
Doctor, your job will be to locate and to destroy
any biotoxins we may find.
Celtris Ill is in Cardassian space.
How will we get there undetected?
I know a way of acquiring some discreet transport.
Mr. Worf, set a course for Torman V.
If he doesn't pay up,
I know three large Ferengi who will not be so forgiving. Heh, heh.
I didn't do it.
We're not accusing you of anything.
What do you want, then?
We're looking for DaiMon Solok.
Why?
We have a business proposition to discuss.
Solok is very busy.
Very important man. He isn't here.
But I could relay a message.
Good. Please, will you tell DaiMon Solok
that we are interested in transportation
to Celtris Ill?
- That's a Cardassian planet. Uh-huh.
Now, we understand that DaiMon Solok runs
cargo there from time to time.
Solok is no smuggler.
Yes, but if Solok were to go to Celtris Ill for legitimate reasons,
we would be interested in quietly booking passage for the journey.
I don't think he would be interested in dealing with Federation spies.
You know,
I heard that Solok was quite a man.
Why, yes. Heh.
He is an extraordinary man. Heh.
That's why we came here, because only Solok could help us.
I guess there's some things even Solok can't do.
It's too bad,
because
if he could,
I would be very,
' Very... ' Yes?
...grateful.
When do you wanna leave?
Beveﬂy,
make sure that your tricorder is keeping a precise map of the route.
- It'd be very easy to get lost in here. - Right.
I'm picking up some subspace signals, but I can't seem to get a lock on them.
That's typical of theta-band emissions.
You have to compress the detection bandwidth
in order to determine the fix.
The source emission is 500 meters east of here
and 700 meters below.
Ah.
It's all right. They're called lynars,
a kind of Celtran bat. They're harmless.
Bats?
You're not afraid of bats, are you, Worf?
Of course not.
First officer's log, supplemental.
We have rendezvoused with the Cardassian ship Reklar
to begin diplomatic talks
designed to ease tensions along the border.
Gul Lemec has arrived. He's waiting for you in the Observation Lounge.
Very good. I'll be in my Ready Room.
Yes?
Captain, I think there's been a slight miscommunication.
Did you want to meet with Gul Lemec in here?
No.
The Observation Lounge is appropriate.
I see.
Lemec is a Cardassian,
and Cardassians are like timber wolves, predators.
Bold in large numbers, cautious by themselves.
And with an instinctive need to establish a dominant position
in any social gathering.
So you're trying to establish a dominant position
by making him wait for you?
The trouble with wolves is that
sometimes in the fight for dominance, one of them ends up dead.
In that case, the trick is
to be the wolf that's still standing at the end.
The floor is over 500 meters down from here.
There doesn't seem to be a way around.
We'll have to rappel from here.
This is sheer granite.
We'll have to use fusing pitons.
We could try to find another way down.
Unfortunately, that would take several hours. We don't have the time.
You're not afraid of heights, are you, doctor?
Of course not.
Now, remember to control your descent,
- and don't get the lines tangled. - I'll remember.
All right.
What is going on? I've been waiting here for over an hour.
I'm Captain Jellico.
I believe you know Commander Riker,
and this is Lieutenant Commander Troi.
- Let's get to it, shall we? - This treatment
is a deliberate insult to the Cardassian Union.
I have been kept waiting here for over an hour.
Then I'm sure you're ready to talk.
I did not agree to allow others into this meeting.
If it alarms you, I can ask them to leave.
I am not alarmed, but we did not--
A great many people are depending on our efforts here, Gul Lemec.
We don't need to quibble over minutiae.
I have come to negotiate a Federation withdrawal from the borders,
not to be dictated to by some mere captain.
I can see you're not serious about these talks.
If the Cardassian Union truly wishes to discuss peace,
they can send someone who can negotiate in a civilized manner.
Captain on the Bridge.
Let him stew for a few minutes, then go in and tell him
that you've convinced me to meet with him one more time.
Tell him I'm a loose cannon and that he needs to be more reasonable
because I'm such an unreasonable man.
Lemec will wanna bring his own aides on board.
Pretend to be worried that I'll object,
and then give grudging permission for two aides, no more. Understood?
- Aye, sir. - Aye, sir.
Well, I'll say this for him:
He's sure of himself.
No, he's not.
The installation should be about 300 meters this way.
I don't suppose we'll be able to find another way to get back up there.
- I doubt it. - That's what I thought.
Hmm.
There's a lava tube beyond here
that runs for 75 meters.
Then it connects with another chamber. We need to get through here.
This tube opens up beyond this crack.
If we could widen the opening,
then we should be able to crawl through. Mr. Worf.
A phaser set at level 16 should suffice.
Make it so.
Well done, Mr. Worf.
Gul Lemec. Pleasure.
May I present my aides, Glinn Corak and Glinn Tajor.
Welcome aboard.
For the past three weeks,
you've been massing troops in staging areas,
assembling strike forces,
and pulling ships from their normal patrols.
We will not stand for this clearly provocative behavior.
I see the Federation spy network
has again provided you with faulty information.
We are conducting routine training operations, nothing more.
Then I'm sure you won't mind if we send a few starships into this sector
for our own training operations.
Your fleet deployments do not concern us.
However, we are very concerned with your refusal
to vacate those territories along the border
which are clearly Cardassian.
You gave up your claims on those territories
when you signed the armistice.
You couldn't take those worlds by force,
so you want us to give them to you at the bargaining table.
Captain, please. We should listen to them.
Gul Lemec, as you know,
the systems are still under negotiation by the terms of the treaty.
Negotiations which we have pursued in good faith.
Unfortunately, the Federation has not been as forthcoming.
Soto speed up the process, you are preparing for war.
We are preparing to defend ourselves.
The Federation will not start a war.
That has always been your position.
However,
I have heard reports that a small team from the Federation
has already been sent into our territory.
Of course, I don't believe it.
Such an attempt would almost certainly fail.
And even if it succeeded,
it would trigger a very serious response on our part.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Then there's no need for worry.
A brief recess would seem to be in order.
Very well.
Where is Captain Picard?
Reassigned.
Well, I hope his new assignment is not too dangerous.
It would be a shame if something were to happen to such a, uh...
Such a noted officer.
Yes, it would.
Only a few more meters.
Beverly, get out of there!
Beverly!
I have her.
- Are you all right? - I think so.
Next time, you try bringing up the rear.
We're nearly there. Can you continue?
Looks like a maintenance hatch to the installation.
I'm picking up three proximity sensors around it.
Sensor echoes established,
but the false image will only last a few minutes.
The hatch is magnetically sealed, but I believe I can bypass it.
I can't get a scan from the other side of the hatch.
- It's been shielded. - We have no choice.
Remember, aim low, and fire in short, controlled bursts.
Ready.
Now.
There's no one here.
There's no lab.
It's a trap. Come on!
Captain!
Let's go.
- The captain. - No.
There are five more of them heading this way from another tunnel.
- Ugh! - Come on.
Now.
Come on.
Captain on the Bridge.
What have you got, Will?
I'm not sure. We're picking up a lot of coded messages
from a Cardassian planet near the border.
- Which planet? - Celtris Ill.
Can you detect any theta-band subspace emissions
- coming from Celtris? - There are some residual traces.
It seems that there were emissions up until a few minutes ago.
Open a secure channel to Admiral Nechayev.
Priority two. Put it through to my Ready Room.
Aye, sir.
Captain?
Those emissions you were so concerned about have just stopped.
I'd say, one way or another, our friends have finished their task.
Have you heard from our friends?
- No. - Let me know if you do.
I would very much like to see them again.
So would I, admiral.
A challenge.
You should prove an interesting challenge.
Possibly the most interesting to come through that door in many years.
- What do you want? - Why, you, of course.
Picard,
Jean-Luc.
Serial number:
SP-937-215.
Son of Maurice and Yvette Picard.
Born in La Barre, France.
Formerly captain of the Stargazer,
where you conducted extensive studies
on theta-band subspace carrier waves.
Don't look so surprised.
How could we have designed a lure
for the captain of the Federation flagship
unless we knew something about his background?
So you concocted an elaborate ruse to bring me here. Why?
In this room, you do not ask questions.
I ask them, you answer.
If I am not satisfied with your answers,
you will die.